In short: Fast and flatIn full: First time at this marathon.well organized very fast and flat. Great camaraderie and excellent support from the people of Manchester. Bit loopy at the start but soon settles down. Liked the increased water stations towards the end and nice big medal. Big plus was the live follow system which worked well and was great for mrs ringo. I would recommend this marathon friendly fast race Date of review: April 6, 2014

In short: The crowds made it for meIn full: Great race, seems to be improving every year which is how it should be.Can't really fault the organisation , except a lucosade would have been nice at the end. Don't no what the fuss about the water is??? It's not rocket science!!!! There where plenty off them. I always take my own gels so I wouldn't use any I've not tested anyway. The crowds are the best I've come cross !!!!Date of review: April 6, 2014

In short: Great atmosphere & PBIn full: Great support and atmosphere, route was nicer than I expected with plenty of interest. Loads of people out and everyone was really friendly. I liked the switchbacks as it meant I could wave to club mates and it also made it easier for spectators. Price is steep and I'd like greater clarity on how the money is spent, also a fairer policy on deferals due to injury.Date of review: April 6, 2014

In short: Fast and flat. A bit dull?In full: The Good Bits:- fast and flat. a definite for a PB i'd say- well organised in terms of entries, number being sent in the post, very good info pack to download, regular email updates, bag drop was seemless- some really vocal support en route- with people handing out sweets and drinks. thanks to all the local residents for that- much appreciated- easy to get to with the metrolink- nice medal and a really top tech tee

Not so good bits:- really didn't like the course. the first few miles with the loopbacks were stupid and quite frustrating, difficult to get going in a regular rhythm. Also, because much of the course was two-way, it all got a bit crammed and, again, difficult to find a rhythm. was much less noticeable in the second half as people started to get a bit more strung out.

- water stations. the people manning them were great, but the first few were really difficult to actually get a drink at. I didn't see the signs (too low down possibly?) and a lot of people were stopping dead and trying to make their way to the sides for drinks...again, improved as the course became less crammed in the second half.- the Iconiq water pouches? Not a fan. either got a dribble of water or a face full. also tasted really strange and chemically. Would have REALLY appreciated a lucozade/powerade or similar at 16-20 mile mark- rather than more chemical toilet water!- Cliff shot bloks...now i love these, train with them all the time. But after 26 miles of them i felt ill. thought we were getting bloks and gels? only saw bloks... - mile markers...again, didn't see many in the first half- perhaps think about positioning?

i've said 'maybe' to a return. its very local for me...but don't think i would recommend that people travel far- unless you want a PB- it has definite potential for that... Date of review: April 6, 2014

In short: Spot on event - best of the biggest and smaller races combined. Great organisation.In full: Fast flat course, excellent organisation and aid stations, good crowd support especially at the finish (lots of glory!), easy to get to and leave, nice number of runners (not too big not too small). Really recommend it and will do again.Date of review: October 16, 2013

In short: Simply the bestIn full: This was my first marathon and was my alternative to London, which I did not get in to. Frankly, my London rejection might have been a good thing. This is a great marathon, amazing atmosphere and support all the way throughout the race. The route is fantastic too with varying scenery from a little bit of country to town running. I've done Chester since then and that is nowhere near in the league of The GREATEST Manchester Marathon :DDate of review: October 8, 2013